Backpack for nesting in a kayak hatch and method of use

ABSTRACT

A backpack comprising a main body having a front side and a rear side is disclosed. The main body comprises at least two compartments wherein the compartments are separated by an inner wall comprising a plate. The backpack is configured to nest in the hatch of a kayak. A method of nesting a backpack in the hatch of a kayak is also disclosed.

BACKGROUND

Personal watercrafts such as kayaks have long provided a means of transportation and adventure on the water. Most kayaks have a basic anatomy which typically includes at least one hatch. A hatch is an opening or portal to an inner cargo area. Such hatch is located on the deck of the kayak to the rear of the cockpit or seat of the kayak. A second hatch may be located in front of the cockpit. The inner cargo area provided by the hatch allows the kayak user to store needed gear and equipment.

It is important that the cargo inside the hatch is kept dry. It is also important that the cargo inside the hatch be accessible to the kayak users. In most instances, a hatch cover is used to seal the opening of the hatch to prevent water from saturating the cargo. Although, such hatch cover is helpful in keeping the gear and equipment dry, the hatch cover prevents the kayak user from easily accessing the gear and equipment.

A water resistant backpack used to store a kayak user's gear and equipment wherein the backpack is configured to nest in a kayak hatch allowing the kayak user easy access to the gear, equipment, and other stored items is needed. A water resistant backpack used to store a kayak user's gear and equipment which nests in the hatch of a kayak and functions similar to a hatch cover is needed in that it prevents large amounts of water from entering the hatch while also allowing a kayak user to easily access equipment or stored items while the kayak user is sitting in the cockpit of the kayak. A water resistant backpack used to store a kayak user's gear and equipment which nests in the hatch of a kayak which can easily transported on the back and shoulders of the kayak user is needed.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A backpack configured to nest in the hatch of kayak is disclosed. The backpack comprises a main body having a front side and a rear side. The main body comprises at least two compartments wherein the compartments are separated by an inner wall comprising a plate. The backpack may have a first strap and a second strap which are removably attached to the rear side of the main body. A handle may be attached to the front side of the main body. In one embodiment, the main body is substantially oval-shaped. In one embodiment, the plate has a major axis having a length in a range of 18 to 20 inches and a minor axis having a length in a range of 10 to 12 inches. In another embodiment, the major axis has a length of 19 and ⅜ inches. In a further embodiment, the minor axis has a length of 11 and ½ inches. The inner wall may comprise a water-resistant material contiguous to the plate. The plate may be made of high density polyethylene.

In one embodiment, the backpack has comprises a top compartment and a bottom compartment. In another embodiment, the top compartment comprises a first top compartment and a second top compartment. The hatch may have an oval shaped opening having a coaming, wherein the opening has a major axis shorter than the major axis of the plate and a minor axis shorter than the minor axis of the plate. The rear side of the main body may have a pocket.

A method for using a backpack to nest in a kayak hatch is also disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: (a) nesting the backpack in a hatch of kayak; (b) accessing the at least two compartments as needed; and (c) un-nesting the backpack from the hatch of a kayak.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the backpack configured to nest in a hatch of a kayak according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts a front view of the backpack configured to nest in a hatch of a kayak according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts a rear perspective view of the backpack configured to nest in a hatch of a kayak according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of the backpack configured to nest in a hatch of a kayak according to one example embodiment.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depicts a side view of the backpack configured to nest in a hatch of a kayak according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 6 depicts an underside view of the backpack configured to nest in a hatch of a kayak according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 7 depicts a front perspective view of the backpack configured to nest in a hatch of a kayak according to one example embodiment. In FIG. 7, the first and second shoulder straps are not attached to the backpack.

FIG. 8 depicts a back perspective view of the backpack configured to nest in a hatch of a kayak according to one example embodiment. In FIG. 8, first and second straps are not attached to the backpack.

FIG. 9 depicts a view of the backpack being transported by a user wherein the user is utilizing the first and second shoulder straps according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 10 depicts a view of the backpack being transported by a user wherein the user is utilizing the handle according to one example embodiment.

FIGS. 11 and 12 depict views of the backpack being transported by a user wherein the user is utilizing either the first or second shoulder strap according to one example embodiment.

FIGS. 13A-13D depict a view of the rear side of the backpack according to one example embodiment. In these perspective views, the first and second shoulder straps are detached and stored in the pocket.

FIG. 14A depicts a cross-sectional view of the backpack according to one example embodiment. In this view, first and second top compartment is shown as well as bottom compartment. In this view, the plate separating top and bottom compartments is also shown.

FIGS. 14B-14D depicts the backpack nesting in the hatch of the kayak according to one example embodiment.

FIGS. 15A-15G depict the placement and compositions of inner wall and outer wall of the backpack according to one example embodiment. FIGS. 15D and 15F depict a cross sectional view of the composition of the inner wall. FIGS. 15C and 15E depict a cross sectional view of the composition of the outer wall.

FIG. 16A-16D depict the alternative options for securing the backpack to the kayak.

FIGS. 17A and 17B depict the hatch of a kayak according to one example embodiment.

FIGS. 18A and 18B depict the hatch of a kayak according to another example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-18, backpack 100 which is designed to nest in the hatch 132 of a kayak 130 is disclosed according to an example embodiment. In one embodiment, backpack 100 allows a kayak user to protect his or her gear, equipment, and other items from water as backpack 100 is made of water resistant material. In one embodiment, backpack 100 may be manufactured using insulated materials, such as polyethylene foam, allowing a kayak user to insulate and provide temperature control to the contents stored in the backpack 100. The structure and shape of backpack 100 allow the backpack 100 to nest in the hatch 132 of a kayak 130 allowing the user easy access to the contents stored in the backpack 100. Also, when the backpack 100 is nested in the hatch 132, storage space on the deck of the kayak 130 is maximized.

Referring to FIGS. 1-8, backpack 100 comprises a main body 102 having a front side 152 (best seen in FIG. 2) and a rear side 154 (best seen in FIG. 3). In one embodiment, main body 102 has a handle 114 attached to front side 152. In one embodiment, main body 102 has a first shoulder strap 110 and a second shoulder strap 112 which are removably attached to the rear side 154 of the main body 102. Referring to FIGS. 7-8, clip assemblies 118 are used to attach first shoulder strap 110 and second shoulder strap 112 to main body 102. In one embodiment, a clip assembly includes a receiving portion and an insertion portion. In one example embodiment, a plurality of straps 164 are attached to the main body 102 of backpack 100 and utilized in conjunction with the clip assemblies 118. Clip assemblies 118 also allow first shoulder strap 110 and second shoulder strap 112 to be adjusted based on the physical size of the user. Other means of attaching shoulder straps 110 and 112 to main body 102 may be used as desired by one of ordinary skill in the art. In one embodiment, handle 11, first and second shoulder straps 110 and 112, and main body 102 are made of water resistant fabric. In another embodiment, handle 114, first and second shoulder straps 110 and 112, and main body 102 are made of water resistant fabric and polyethylene foam. Any other materials, or combinations of materials, may be used to manufacture handle 114, shoulder straps 110 and 112, and main body 102 as desired by one of skill in the art.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-12, backpack 100 offers three options for transport by the user. Referring to FIG. 9, in one example embodiment, backpack 100 may be carried on the back of the user by utilizing first shoulder strap 110 and second shoulder strap 112. Referring to FIG. 10, in another example embodiment, backpack 100 may be carried by the user utilizing handle 114. In this example embodiment, first shoulder strap 100 and second shoulder strap 112 have been detached and stored in opening or pocket 126 (shown in FIGS. 13A-13D). Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, backpack 100 may be transported utilizing either the first should strap 110 or the second shoulder strap 112. Clip assemblies 118 allow one shoulder strap to be worn across the body (cross body style) as shown in FIG. 11. In another example embodiment, clip assemblies 118 allow one shoulder strap to be worn on one side of the user's body as shown in FIG. 12. When the user is transporting the backpack 100 on his back or shoulders, the user's hands are free to carry the kayak and other gear.

Referring again to FIG. 10 and also to FIGS. 13A-13D, in one example embodiment, once first and second shoulder straps 110 and 112 are detached and stored, backpack 100 may be nested into hatch 132 of kayak 130. In another example embodiment, backpack 100 may be nested into hatch 132 of kayak 130 without detaching and storing first and second shoulder straps 110 and 112 as desired by one of skill in the art. In one embodiment, rear side 154 of main body 102 has an opening or pocket 126. First and second shoulder straps 110 and 112 may be detached and stored in pocket 126. Pocket 126 protects the straps 110 and 112 from water when kayaking. Pocket 126 also allows the straps 110 and 112 to be stored when the user prefers to transport the backpack 100 by handle 114.

Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13D, four clip assemblies 118 may be used to attach first shoulder strap 110 and second shoulder strap 112 to back pack 100. Clip assemblies 118 may comprise a receiving clip portion which connects to an insertion clip portion.

Referring to FIGS. 15A-15G, in one example embodiment, main body 102 comprises at least two compartments wherein the compartments are separated by an inner wall 140 comprising a plate 146. In FIG. 15A, the main body 102 of the backpack 100 comprises a top compartment 104 and a bottom compartment 106 separated by an inner wall 140 comprising a plate 146. In FIG. 15B, the main body 102 of the backpack 100 comprises a first top compartment 170, a second top compartment 172, and a bottom compartment 106 separated by an inner wall 140 comprising a plate 146.

Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B, a cross sectional side view of the backpack 100 is shown. In one example embodiment, inner wall 140 extends the length of the backpack 100. In one embodiment, inner wall comprises plate 146 and water resistant material (see FIG. 15F). In another embodiment, inner wall comprise plate 146, water resistant material and polyethylene foam (see FIGS. 15D and 15G). In one example embodiment, plate 146 is a flat sheet of plastic. In one embodiment, plate 146 may be about one eighth of an inch thick and may be made of recycled or virgin polypropylene plastic. In another example embodiment, plate 146 may be made of high density polyethylene; however, other materials may be used as desired by one of skill in the art. Plate 146 provides structure to the backpack 100 and allows backpack 100 to nest in the hatch 132 of kayak 130. In one example embodiment, plate 146 may be generic, stamped or cut shape. In one embodiment, plate 146 is substantially oval-shaped and has the following dimensions: a major axis length of eighteen to twenty inches and a minor axis length of ten to twelve inches. In a second example embodiment, plate 146 is substantially oval-shaped and has the following dimensions: a major axis length of nineteen and three eighths inches and a minor axis length of eleven and one half inches in length.

Referring again to FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C and 15E, outer wall 150 forms the main body 102 of backpack 100. Outer wall 150 extends around the perimeter of the backpack 100. In one embodiment, outer wall 150 comprises water resistant material (see FIG. 15E). In another embodiment, outer wall 150 comprises water resistant material and polyethylene foam. (See FIG. 15C). In one embodiment, outer wall 150 may also be used to divide first top compartment 170 from second top compartment 172.

In one example embodiment, backpack 100 is oval shaped and inner wall 140 comprising a plate 146 is similarly oval shaped. Such oval shaped backpacks 100 are used with corresponding oval shaped hatches. It is foreseeable that other example embodiments may be used to accommodate hatches of varying shapes. Thus, in further example embodiments, backpack 100 may have other dimensions and shapes, such a rectangular, circular, trapezoidal, or triangular, as desired by one of skill in the art. The shape and dimensions of inner wall 140 comprising a plate 146 will correspond to the dimensions and shape of backpack 100. As desired by one of skill in the art, backpack 100 may have any shape as needed to nest in a certain shaped hatch. Inner wall 140 and plate 146 will correspond to the shape of backpack 100 and will provide the structure needed for backpack 100 to nest in hatch 132.

Referring to FIG. 14A, in one example embodiment, backpack 100 may have more than two compartments 104 and 106. For example, backpack 100 may have three compartments: a first top compartment 170, second top compartment 172, and bottom compartment 106. Backpack 100 may have more than two or three compartments as desired by one of skill in the art. A plurality of zippers may be used to access the individual compartments. In FIG. 14A, inner wall 140 comprising plate 146 separates first and second top compartments 170 and 172 from bottom compartment 106.

Referring now to FIGS. 14A -14D, in one example embodiment, backpack 100 nests in the opening of hatch 132 of kayak 130. In one embodiment, the outer perimeter 148 of the inner wall 140 comprising plate 146 rests on the coaming 134 or edge defining the opening of hatch 132 (seen in FIG. 14A). Outer perimeter 148 creates a seal with coaming 134 of hatch 132 which prevents water from entering into the kayak via hatch 132. A kayak user may easily access the stored contents in the top compartment 104 of backpack 100 while remaining seated in the kayak.

Referring now to FIGS. 16A-16D, backpack 100 may be further secured to the kayak by use of a bungee cord 160 or a cord 162 attached to the zipper (see FIG. 16C) or strap 164 (see FIG. 16D.

Referring now to FIGS. 17A, 17B, 18A and 18B, hatch 132 may be oval shaped. In one example embodiment, coaming 134 may be used to define the opening of hatch 132. In another example embodiment, rim 136 defines the opening of hatch 132.

A method for using a backpack configured to nest in a kayak hatch is also disclosed. The backpack comprises a main body having a front side and a rear side, wherein the main body comprises at least two compartments wherein the compartments are separated by an inner wall comprising a plate. The method comprises the following steps: (a) nesting the backpack in a hatch of kayak; (b) accessing the at least two compartments as needed; and (c) un-nesting the backpack from the hatch of a kayak. 

I claim:
 1. A backpack comprising a main body having a front side and a rear side, wherein the main body comprises at least two compartments wherein the compartments are separated by an inner wall comprising a plate, wherein the backpack is configured to nest in the hatch of a kayak.
 2. The backpack of claim 1, wherein a first strap and a second strap are removably attached to the rear side of the main body.
 3. The backpack of claim 1, wherein a handle is attached to the front side of the main body.
 4. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the main body is substantially oval-shaped.
 5. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the plate has a major axis having a length in a range of 18 to 20 inches and a minor axis having a length in a range of 10 to 12 inches.
 6. The backpack of claim 5, wherein the major axis has a length of 19 and ⅜ inches.
 7. The backpack of claim 5, wherein the minor axis has a length of 11 and ½ inches.
 8. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the inner wall comprises a water-resistant material contiguous to the plate.
 9. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the plate is made of high density polyethylene.
 10. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the at least two compartments comprise a top compartment and a bottom compartment.
 11. The backpack of claim 10, wherein the top compartment comprises a first top compartment and a second top compartment.
 12. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the hatch has an oval shaped opening having a coaming, wherein the opening has a major axis shorter than the major axis of the plate and a minor axis shorter than the minor axis of the plate.
 13. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the rear side of the main body has a pocket.
 14. A method for using a backpack wherein the backpack comprises a main body having a front side and a rear side, wherein the main body comprises at least two compartments wherein the compartments are separated by an inner wall comprising a plate, wherein the method comprises the following steps: (a) nesting the backpack in a hatch of kayak; (b) accessing the at least two compartments as needed; and (c) un-nesting the backpack from the hatch of a kayak.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the backpack comprises a first strap and a second strap which are removably attached to the rear side of the main body.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the backpack comprises a handle which is attached to the front side of the main body.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the backpack comprises a main body which is substantially oval-shaped.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the backpack comprise a plate having a major axis with a length in a range of 18 to 20 inches and a minor axis with a length in a range of 10 to 12 inches.
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the backpack of claim 18 comprises a plate having a major axis with a length of 19 and ⅜ inches.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein the backpack of claim 18 comprises a plate having a minor axis with a length of 11 and ½ inches.
 21. The method of claim 14, wherein the backpack comprises the inner wall comprising a water-resistant material contiguous to the plate.
 22. The method of claim 14, wherein the backpack comprises a plate made of high density polyethylene.
 23. The method of claim 14, wherein the backpack has at least two compartments: a top compartment and a bottom compartment.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the backpack comprises a top compartment having a first top compartment and a second top compartment.
 25. The method of claim 14, wherein the hatch has an oval shaped opening having a coaming, wherein the opening has a major axis shorter than the major axis of the plate and a minor axis shorter than the minor axis of the plate.
 26. The method of claim 14, wherein the rear side of the main body has a pocket. 